Welcome to Rocky & Brenda's Gold & Silver

What is “sterling” and how is that different from other grades of silver?

Pure silver is too soft for functional use, so an alloy must be added. Sterling silver is a mixture of 925 parts silver to 75 parts copper (for hardness). This mixture is the accepted standard; legally, only pieces of this composition can be stamped "STERLING." Inferior silver generally has less pure silver and more alloy than sterling.

Is sterling dishwasher safe? What is the best way to clean?

Sterling Silver requires minimal care. Wash promptly after each use in hot sudsy water and rinse with hot water. Dry with soft towel and put away when cool. If you use an automatic dishwasher, remove your Sterling Silver after the wash cycle and dry it with a towel to avoid unsightly "detergent spots." Check your dishwasher operating manual; if it has an anti-spotting injector, you can leave your Sterling Silver inside during the drying cycle. But avoid the prolonged soaking generally experienced with "rinse and hold" or equivalent cycles.

Knives, along with any other hollow-handled pieces should never be cleaned in a dishwasher. Hand wash only.

How do I polish my silver?

We offer a wide variety of Hagerty cleaning and tarnish preventative products. These products come in foam, dip, spray, gloves, or polish, to remove tarnishing from your sterling. All are easy to use, simply put on, let set for 30 seconds or so, and wipe off.

What is patina?

Over time, various metals including silver gradually acquire a mellow "patina," consisting of tiny microscopic lines that produce that wonderful, soft, glowing finish. This is natural and desirable, for it gives Sterling Silver the vintage look of a fine antique.

What if I do not see my pattern on your site?

We stock hundreds of popular sterling flatware patterns, as well as older, obscure patterns. Please contact us and we can let you know if we have what you are looking for.

What other items do you carry?

We currently have show rooms full of sterling tea sets, candelabras, other sterling hollow ware, antique glass, estate flatware, antique furniture, coins, sterling Christmas ornaments, and a large stainless flatware & silver plate giftware department.

Can I still purchase out of stock items?

While certain items may be out of stock, you will still have the option of purchasing those items. We will notify you of any delays that may occur when purchasing an out of stock item.

How do I properly set a formal dinner setting?

Plate:

•	Place your dinner plate on the table in front of the chair.

Above the Plate:

•	The cake fork will be closest to the plate with the tines facing right.
•	The dessert spoon will be above the cake fork with the bowl facing left.

Right Side of Plate:

•	To the right of the plate place your entree knife with the blade facing in toward the plate.
•	To the right of the knife place your teaspoon.
•	To the right of the teaspoon, place your soupspoon. (Either a round bowl, cream soup or the more versatile oval/place soup.)

Left Side of Plate:

•	To the left of your plate, place the entree fork and then the salad fork.
•	If you are using a bread plate you may place it either to the left of the forks or slightly above them.
•	Place your bread and butter knife on the bread plate with the blade facing toward the dinner plate.
•	Glasses go above the knives with the water glasses closest to the plate.
•	Wine glasses will go to the right of your water glass.
•	Napkin may be placed across the plate, or to the left of the forks.